The Dangers

of Drifting

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Are you going to float or paddle?

Hebrews 2:1-4 (VOICE)

2 That is why we ought to pay even closer attention to the voice that has been speaking so that we will never drift away from it. 2 For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, 3 then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation? We heard it first from our Lord Jesus, then from those who passed on His teaching. 4 God also testifies to this truth by signs and wonders and miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit lighting on those He chooses.

Many people don’t want to think about tomorrow or the consequences of life—they like to take it easy.

It is so easy, and so pleasant, to drift. To lie back, relax, and let yourself go wherever the waters will carry you. Any dead fish can go with the stream.

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23 then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation?

How do we know if we are drifting in the wrong direction?

We know we’re drifting when we lose interest in God’s Word.

Psalm 119:9-11 (NLT)

9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you

David started drifting.

We know we’re drifting when we neglect to pray.

Without God, we can’t fight the current or steer through the rough waters.

We know we’re drifting when we lose interest in church.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

We know we’re drifting when we don’t give our time or money serving God.

How much land does a man need?

Luke 6:38 (NLT)

38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

We know we’re drifting when we don’t share Jesus with anyone.

We know we’re drifting when we no longer feel close to God.

The Consequences of Drifting.

• You begin to ignore your conscience and make excuses for yourself when you engage in activities that dishonor God.

• You drift into a life of sin.

• You begin to live in denial—you disagree that what you’re doing is wrong.

• You avoid things that are spiritual so you don’t feel the shame of your sinful life.

• You avoid contact with God so much that you lose your ability to hear God’s voice.

• Your heart becomes hardened by sin and Satan’s lies.

• You grieve God’s heart and miss God’s best for your life.

• You influence other people’s lives negatively—especially those of your children and grandchildren.

Avoiding Disaster—Charting a Sure Course

Psalm 119:15–16 says, “I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.”

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It’s never a done deal!

God disciplines disobedience.

Hebrews 12:10 “He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.”

We prevent ourselves from drifting by anchoring to the Word of God.

We prevent ourselves from drifting by obeying the Word of God.

We prevent ourselves from drifting by surrendering our lives to God.

We prevent ourselves from drifting by staying on guard.

2 Peter 3:17-18

So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Are you going to float or paddle?

References

The Danger of Drifting – Charles Stanley

Six warning signs of drifting away - Doug Gilford